Bishop William F. Medley receives the gifts from two teachers while presiding at Mass at the start of the July 31, 2026 Celebration of Catholic Schools in-service, which was hosted this year at Christ the King Parish and School in Madisonville. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Teachers encouraged to help students reflect the light of Christ during annual in-service
BY ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
At the July 31, 2026 Celebration of Catholic Schools in-service hosted at Christ the King Parish and School in Madisonville, Bishop William F. Medley encouraged teachers and administrators to helps students see themselves as the light of the world.
“If your students are reflecting the light of Christ, it is because you are reflecting the light of Christ,” said the bishop in his homily, having presided at the Mass that began the professional development day.
The in-service was led by the Diocese of Owensboro’s Catholic Schools Office, which coordinates the event each year.
Kendal Williams, who was named 2026 Outstanding Catholic Educator of the Year just moments before, is hugged by her colleagues while attending the July 31, 2026 Celebration of Catholic Schools event at Christ the King Parish and School in Madisonville. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Following Mass, teachers gathered in Christ the King’s school gym for breakfast and discussion questions at their respective tables, which were organized by subject.
The keynote speaker for this year’s gathering was Mary Katherine Wathen, founder of West of Perfection, an executive coaching and leadership development organization, and author of “Made for More.” Wathen explained that when it comes to leading a team, the first and most important person to lead is yourself.
Following her presentation, faculty and staff were honored for their years of service, and the 2026 Outstanding Catholic Educator of the Year was announced: Kendal Williams, a first grade teacher at Holy Name of Jesus School in Henderson.
Mary Katherine Wathen, local author and founder of West of Perfection, speaks at the July 31, 2026 Celebration of Catholic Schools event hosted at Christ the King Parish and School in Madisonville. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
The nomination, which was read by Catholic Schools Office superintendent David Kessler, explained that “what truly sets her apart is her unwavering belief that every child can succeed.”
“She knows her students as individuals, celebrates their strengths, and works tirelessly to help them overcome challenges,” the nomination stated. “Mrs. Williams is also the ultimate team player. She is the colleague everyone can count on, always willing to lend a hand, share ideas, or step in wherever needed. Her loyalty to Holy Name School is evident in her daily actions and in her unwavering commitment to the successes of our entire school community.”
The day concluded with a commitment ceremony recited by all gathered, as they prepared for the new academic year.
Kendal Williams, a first grade teacher at Holy Name of Jesus School in Henderson, is seen with Diocese of Owensboro Catholic Schools superintendent David Kessler after she was announced as the 2026 Outstanding Catholic Educator of the Year at the July 31, 2026 Celebration of Catholic Schools event in Madisonville. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Originally printed in the September 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
